What Is the Firing Order of the 3.5‑Liter V6?

It depends on the specific 3.5 L V6 engine. The most common firing orders you’ll encounter are 1-4-2-5-3-6 (e.g., Ford’s 3.5 “Cyclone”/EcoBoost and Honda’s J35) and 1-2-3-4-5-6 (e.g., Toyota’s 2GR 3.5, Nissan’s VQ35, GM’s 3500/3.6 families, and Chrysler’s 3.5 SOHC). Because multiple automakers build 3.5-liter V6s with different designs, you should confirm the exact engine family and model year to be certain.

Why there isn’t one “universal” firing order

“3.5 L V6” describes displacement and cylinder count, not the engine’s architecture. Automakers arrange crankpins, cam timing, and ignition strategies differently, which changes the ideal firing sequence for smoothness, emissions, and performance. That’s why two 3.5-liter V6s from different brands can legitimately have different firing orders.

Common 3.5 L V6 firing orders by brand and engine family

The following list groups widely sold 3.5-liter V6 engines by brand and states their factory firing order. Use it as a quick reference when you know which engine family you’re dealing with.

• Ford 3.5 L “Cyclone” V6 (including naturally aspirated and EcoBoost): 1-4-2-5-3-6
• Honda/Acura J35 V6: 1-4-2-5-3-6
• Toyota/Lexus 2GR 3.5 L V6 (FE/FKS/FSE variants): 1-2-3-4-5-6
• Nissan/Infiniti VQ35 (DE/HR) 3.5 L V6: 1-2-3-4-5-6
• GM 3.5 L “3500” High Value V6 (LX9/LZ4) and 3.6 L High Feature family (for comparison): 1-2-3-4-5-6
• Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 3.5 L SOHC V6: 1-2-3-4-5-6

These cover the vast majority of North American–market 3.5 L V6 applications. If your engine isn’t listed (for example, a lesser‑known or regional variant), consult factory documentation to verify.

Cylinder numbering and bank orientation: what matters for you

Knowing the firing order isn’t enough—you must also identify which cylinder is which. Cylinder numbering and which side is “Bank 1” vary by maker and by whether the engine is mounted longitudinally (RWD/AWD) or transversely (FWD/AWD). The guidelines below help you map the sequence to the physical engine.

• Bank 1 definition: Always the bank containing cylinder 1. On many V6s, Bank 1 carries odd numbers (1-3-5) and Bank 2 carries even (2-4-6).
• Toyota/Nissan/Chrysler/GM (typical layouts): Cylinder 1 is usually on the right/passenger-side bank in longitudinal setups; numbering often runs 1-3-5 on one bank and 2-4-6 on the other, front to rear.
• Honda J35 (transverse FWD/AWD): Bank 1 is typically the rear (firewall-side) bank; numbering is commonly 1-3-5 at the rear and 2-4-6 at the front.
• Ford 3.5 Cyclone (varies by installation): On many transverse FWD models, Bank 1 is at the rear (firewall side). Confirm with an underhood label or service manual for your exact vehicle.
• Service labels help: Many vehicles have an emissions or underhood routing label indicating “Bank 1” and cylinder 1 location.

Because layouts differ, a quick check of the factory diagram for your specific vehicle can prevent miswiring coils or swapping plug wires.

How to verify the correct firing order for your vehicle

If you’re unsure which 3.5 L V6 you have, or you want to double‑check before doing ignition work, follow these steps to confirm the firing order and cylinder numbering.

1. Identify the exact engine: Use the VIN (often 8th character), underhood emissions label, or a build sheet to get the engine code (e.g., J35A6, 2GR‑FE, VQ35DE, 3.5 Cyclone).
2. Consult authoritative sources: Factory service manuals, OEM repair portals, or reputable parts databases typically list firing order and cylinder numbering diagrams.
3. Check underhood/coil labeling: Many coil‑on‑plug or coil‑pack systems are labeled; cross‑reference with the manual to avoid relying on assumptions.
4. Mind the engine orientation: Verify whether it’s transverse or longitudinal; “front” of the engine refers to the accessory/drive end, not necessarily the front of the vehicle.
5. When in doubt, scan data: A bi‑directional scan tool and a misfire counter (per cylinder) can help confirm you’ve identified cylinders correctly after repairs.

Taking a couple of minutes to verify will save time and prevent misfires caused by swapped wires or coils.

Common pitfalls and practical tips

Even experienced techs can get tripped up by assumptions. Keep these points in mind when working on a 3.5 L V6.

• Don’t assume all 3.5s share a firing order—confirm the engine family first.
• Bank 1 location changes with brand and mounting; never rely solely on “driver/passenger side” shorthand.
• Coil connectors reach multiple cylinders on some engines; mark coils and leads before removal.
• If you see persistent misfire on a specific cylinder after work, re-check both firing order and cylinder identification.

A careful identification process minimizes comebacks and ensures smooth post‑repair operation.

Summary

There is no single firing order for all “3.5 L V6” engines. The two most common patterns are 1-4-2-5-3-6 (Ford 3.5 Cyclone/EcoBoost, Honda J35) and 1-2-3-4-5-6 (Toyota 2GR 3.5, Nissan VQ35, GM 3500, Chrysler 3.5). Verify your exact engine code and consult OEM documentation to match the firing order to the correct cylinder numbering and bank orientation for your vehicle.

How are the cylinders numbered on a Ford V6?

Then the front would be towards. You but numbering these cylinders is important we’ve got one two three in the back. Then four five six in the front. That’s all there is to it thanks for watching.

How are the cylinders numbered on a 3.5 EcoBoost?

The Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine has two banks of three cylinders, with cylinders 1, 2, and 3 on the passenger side (Bank 1) and cylinders 4, 5, and 6 on the driver’s side (Bank 2), numbered from front to back on each bank. The firing order for the engine is 1-4-2-5-3-6.
 
Cylinder Identification 

1. Bank 1 (Passenger Side): Cylinders 1, 2, and 3.
2. Bank 2 (Driver’s Side): Cylinders 4, 5, and 6.

Counting from the Front

• From the Firewal l (Rear of the Engine): For the traditional setup, the cylinders closest to the firewall (rear) are 1, 2, and 3, with 1 being the furthest rear on the bank. 
• Towards the Radiator (Front of the Engine): The cylinders closest to the radiator (front) are 4, 5, and 6, with 4 being the furthest forward on the bank. 

Key Points

• V-Engine Configuration: The 3.5L EcoBoost is a V-shaped engine, which means the cylinders are arranged in two rows. 
• Firing Order: The specific sequence in which the cylinders are fired is 1-4-2-5-3-6. 
• Application: This numbering and firing order is consistent across many vehicles using the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including the F-150 and Expedition. 

Which cylinder is number 1 on a V6?

Two. Here’s a Ford F-150. With a 3.5 L V6. And the firing. Order is going to be the same 1 14 2 536. The cylinder locations are going to be when you open the hood.

What is the firing order of the 3.5 L Ford F150?

Engine Specifications – 3.5L Ecoboost

Measurement	Specification
Firing order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition system	Coil on plug
Spark plug gap	0.030–0.033 in (0.75–0.85 mm)
Compression ratio	10.0:1